Staff

Cele Garrett

Executive Director

Prior to joining AHA, Cele provided marketing/fundraising copy writing, project management, and media outreach on a freelance basis for both not-for-profit and for-profit clients. Projects include writing a chapter in the book Secrets of Successful Fund Raising, managing a series of workshops geared to science and health journalists, and writing on-air television scripts and national direct mail campaigns. She brings extensive volunteer experience for local nonprofits and causes. Cele spent ten years at the national office of the Public Broadcasting Service, where her work included in-kind fundraising, project management, development training, and member relations.

Monica Estabrooke

Operations Supervisor

Monica has been a fundraiser for 17 years. “Friend Raising” for major charitable gifts is her second career. She joined the not-for -profit community after a thirty-year career with IBM. Monica’s areas of expertise include developing strategies to build donor relationships, organizational development, and program and human resource management. Monica serves on the President’s Council of the Heritage Institute, serves on the Board of United Way of America Retirees Association, and is a member of Partners in Philanthropic Planning and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Kim Carlisle

Operations Co-Manager

Kim is the newest member of the AHA staff and serves as Operations Co-Manager, sharing the position with Dara Surratt. Kim lives in Alexandria with her husband Jim and three children. Kim has worked as a corporate lobbyist doing labor and workforce policy focused on healthcare and benefits. While raising her children she has worked part-time as a PAC manager for several corporations. She’s also been an active volunteer in the school system, particularly as an advocate for special needs students. Her involvement has included serving on the ACPS Special Education Advisory Committee.

Dara Surratt

Operations Co-Manager

Darais Operations Co-Manager along with Bernice Courtenay. She comes to AHA with 20 years of experience working in the corporate travel management industry. Dara and her husband have twin daughters who are just starting high school and they are longtime member of the Alexandria community. She’s dedicated to providing our AHA members with a quick response to requests and is always a friendly voice when you call the office.

Jennifer (Jen) Heinz

Marketing and Membership Manager

Jen works with the Executive Director and AHA committees to enhance membership outreach and to expand our web and social media presence. She joined AHA after serving, most recently, as Office Administrator for Encore Creativity for Older Adults and has worked for other nonprofits and trade associations, primarily in education and professional development.